Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke jailed on substance, speeding charges in Arkansas

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested and booked on four charges, including trafficking a controlled substance, on Wednesday in Cross County, Ark., according to the Cross County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition to the trafficking charge, Clarke, 29, is facing charges of improper passing, possession of a controlled substance and fleeing in a vehicle or conveyance while speeding. Booking information on the Cross County Sheriff’s website did not indicate whether those charges are misdemeanors or felonies. There was also no indication of what the controlled substance was. Cross County is approximately one hour west of Memphis.

Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said he was “aware of the reports” before his team’s game against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, but did not offer further comment. Clarke’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Athletic.

Clarke, who has played in Memphis since 2019, is the Grizzlies’ longest-tenured player alongside star Ja Morant. Clarke missed the start of the season due to a knee injury. He returned in December for two games, but then suffered a calf injury. The Grizzlies ruled him out for the remainder of the season last week.

— The Athletic’s Joe Vardon contributed to this report.